A Geospatial Modelling Approach to Understand the Spatio-Temporal Impacts of Grazing on Soil Susceptibility to Erosion

Grazing management to reduce soil erosion is paramount for preserving and enhancing grassland health under pastoral livestock production systems. However, as the focus of these systems increase productivity, inclusion its complexity in grazing has been usually neglected. Detailed consideration spatio-temporal susceptibility may be best approached with simulation modelling. To understand explore impact strategies on surface erosion, this work used a geospatial model approach high-country system New Zealand case study. We modelled 45 scenarios characterized by different stock densities occupation periods applied each season year types: sheep, beef, deer, producing total 540 scenarios. In addition, we included represent ungrazed pastures current study station baseline comparisons (resulting 545 scenarios). Spatio-temporal variation natural superficial from appears more relevant than manipulating intensity indicates that paddocks our area have capacities support which also changes during seasons. Increases period seem detrimental compared increases density, cattle are most type sheep deer. Our results suggest can enhanced LUMGS applying context-adjusted according heterogeneity erosion.